Homeless advocacy groups meet ahead of Johnson v. Grants Pass Supreme Court hearing [Video]

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Supreme Court will decide in the next few weeks on whether it’s legal for municipalities to fine or jail homeless people for living on the streets.

The government said the number of people experiencing homelessness increased 17 percent from 2022 to last year.

“All of it is really hard,” said Solo Brown. “It’s mostly finding somewhere to sleep.”

Brown said he’s been in and out of housing for the last few years. He’s working with Waypoint, the Cedar Rapids-based nonprofit that offers community services like housing assistance.

“I just started not too long ago,” he said. “I’m still trying to figure out some paperwork.”

Both the cities of Cedar Rapids and Dubuque have restrictions regulating where homeless people can sleep. Brown said that wasn’t something he would be able to afford, and that would start a vicious cycle.

“You don’t pay them then you …